System for custom imprinting a variety of articles with images obtained from a variety of different sources

ABSTRACT

A system and method for combining a first digital generated image and one or more prestored digital images. The system include means for selecting one of the prestored digital images for and the steps of selecting an output format for printing the first digital generated image and the selected prestored image, providing the first digital generated image, combining the first digital generated image with the selected prestored digital image such that the generated image is placed in the predetermined location so as to form a merged image in accordance with the requirements of the selected output format, and for printing out the merged image in a desired format.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A system and method are disclosed for producing customized images bymerging at least two images obtained from different sources andimprinting the merged image on at least one output format from aplurality of output forms that are available. This application isrelated to and continues subject matter disclosed in prior copendingBuckley et al, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/602,439, filed Oct.22, 1990, which was related to and continued prior copending Buckley etal, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/282,013 which issued as U.S.Pat. No. 5,036,472 on Jul. 30, 1991, and Banks et al, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 07/514,670, filed Apr. 25, 1990. This applicationis also related to and continues subject matter disclosed in priorcopending Buckley et al, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/876,389,filed Apr. 30, 1992, which was a divisional application of priorcopending Buckley et al, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/735,985,filed Jul. 25, 1991, which was a division of prior U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 07/282,013 which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,472on Jul. 30, 1991. The disclosures of said applications Ser. Nos.07/282,013, 07/514,670, 07/602,439, 07/735,985 and 07/876,389 areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Applicants' related application Ser. No. 07/282,013, now U.S. Pat. No.5,036,472, discloses examples of personalized greeting cards and theproduction of those cards. Designs have also been imprinted on variousother articles such as hats, notebook covers, signs, bumper stickers,umbrellas, cloth, or canvas items, cups, coffee mugs, certificates, keychains, balloons, buttons, business cards, and other custom designeditems. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,873,643 discloses the imprinting ofdesigns by a customer using an apparatus which has a central processingunit (computer) programmed with design rules that restrict the placementand size of certain print design elements to assist the customer inproviding the customized imprinted articles.

In addition, EP Application No. 0 326 515 has addressed imprinting, ortransferring of a complex image which has been obtained from the mergingof a video/photo image into a decorative background and printing thecomplex image onto an ordinary blank card.

A problem sometimes associated with previously available systems is thatthey have been limited either by the number of output formats, or in thetype of input that may be provided, or in artifacts resulting from themerger of image data. While the GB 2,246,929-A and EP 0 326 515publications disclose the use of digital photographic images with otherprestored images, there is no adjustment provided with regard to thequality of the image being presented with that of the prestored orcreated images. Thus, there is an inherent problem in providing ahigh-quality, professional-looking image onto the desired format.Further, the previous systems generally fail to take into considerationthat when different output formats are provided for imprinting of thedesign, for example, onto cups, T-shirts, paper and other variousformats, there is no consideration given as to the manner in which theinitial information is obtained and manipulated by the apparatus.Typically, devices are configured so as to use a single type inputdevice, such as film scanner, print scanner, video camera, computergenerated graphic, etc., and a single type output device, such as athermal printer, CRT printer, ink jet printer, etc. Image data filescompiled by these different input and output devices are very differentfrom each other. In order to combine image data files from differentsources and print the desired image on the desired output format from avariety of available formats, would require the manipulation andcombination of the image data files properly in order to obtain a highquality image. Additionally, known prior art systems have failed toincorporate an effective manner in which a single subject/object may beeasily isolated from the background and combined into prestored images.

The Applicants have invented a system which is capable of easilyproducing a customized image obtained by combining a variety ofdifferent images from different sources onto at least one of a varietyof different output formats wherein the image provided on the outputformat is of high quality in a professional format. The system alsoautomates and coordinates the required operations in order to reduce theskill level of the operator while maintaining the versatility and highquality of the system. The present invention also minimizes any storageand computational needs required for the imprinting of the image ontoany particular format. Additionally the present invention provides aneasy and economical method for the isolation of a single subject orobject which can then be easily combined with an other image.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method ofcombining a first digital generated image and one or more prestoreddigital images, comprising the steps of:

a) selecting one of said prestored digital images, each of the prestoreddigital images having at least one predetermined location where thefirst digital generated image may be placed;

b) selecting an output format for printing, displaying, transmitting, orstoring the first digital generated image and the selected prestoredimage;

c) providing the first digital generated image; and

d) combining the first digital generated image with the selectedprestored digital image such that the generated image is placed in thepredetermined location so as to form a merged image in accordance withthe requirements of the selected output format.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method ofcombining a first digital generated image and/or text and one or moreprestored digital images, comprising the steps of:

a) selecting one of said prestored digital images, each of the pluralityof prestored digital images having at least one predetermined locationwhere the generated image and/or text may be placed;

b) selecting an output format for printing, displaying, transmitting, orstoring the first digital generated image and the selected prestoredimage;

c) providing said first generated image by scanning an existing image inaccordance with the requirements of the preselected output format; and

d) combining the first generated image and/or text with the selectedprestored digital image at the predetermined location so as to form amerged image.

In yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod of combining at least one generated image and one or moreprestored digital images, comprising the steps of:

a) selecting one of said prestored digital images, each of the prestoreddigital images having one or more predetermined locations where saidfirst digital generated images and/or text may be placed;

b) providing a plurality of different capture means for obtaining atleast one customer generated image in digital form;

c) providing a plurality of different output means for printing of animage;

d) selecting a desired output format upon which an image may beprovided;

e) modifying the selected prestored digital image so as to form a firstmodified image; and

f) combining the first modified image and the first digital generatedimage, the first digital generated image being located at thepredetermined location so as to form a merged image.

In yet still another aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod of combining a first digital generated image and one or moreselected prestored digital images, comprising the steps of:

a) selecting one of said prestored digital images, each of the prestoreddigital images having at least one predetermined location wherein thecustomer generated image may be placed;

b) providing the first digital generated image;

c) adjusting the first digital generated image in accordance with atleast one predetermined relationship with respect to the selectedprestored image; and

d) combining said first digital generated image with said selectedprestored digital image such that said generated image is placed in saidpredetermined location so as to form a merged image.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method ofcombining a first digital generated image and one or more prestoreddigital image, comprising the steps of:

a) selecting one of said prestored digital images, each of the prestoreddigital images having at least one predetermined location wherein thecustomer generated image may be placed;

b) providing the first digital generated image; and

c) combining the first digital generated image with the selectedprestored digital image such that the generated image is placed in thepredetermined location so as to form a merged image.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a systemfor combining a first digital generated image and one or more prestoreddigital images, comprising:

a) means for selecting one of said prestored digital images, each ofsaid prestored digital images having at least one predetermined locationwherein said first digital generated image may be placed;

b) means for selecting an output format for printing said first digitalgenerated image and said selected prestored image;

c) means for providing said first digital generated image; and

d) means for combining said first digital generated image with saidselected prestored digital image such that said generated image isplaced in said predetermined location so as to form a merged image inaccordance with the requirements of the selected output format.

In still another aspect of the present invention there is provided asystem for combining a first digital generated image and/or text and oneor more selected prestored digital images, comprising:

a) means for selecting one of said prestored digital images, each ofsaid plurality of prestored digital images having at least onepredetermined location where said generated image and/or text may beplaced;

b) means for selecting an output format for printing said first digitalgenerated image and said selected prestored image;

c) means for providing at least one generated image by scanning anexisting image in accordance with the requirements of the preselectedoutput format; and

d) means for combining said at least one generated image and/or textwith said selected prestored digital image at said predeterminedlocation so as to form a merged image.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a system forcombining a first generated image and one or more selected prestoreddigital images, comprising:

a) means for selecting one of said prestored digital images, each ofsaid prestored digital images having one or more predetermined locationswhere said first digital generated image may be placed;

b) means for providing a plurality of different capture means forobtaining said first generated image in digital form;

c) means for providing a plurality of different output means forprinting, displaying, transmitting, or storing of an image;

d) means for selecting a desired output format upon which an image maybe provided;

e) means for modifying said selected prestored digital image so as toform a first modified image;

f) means for combining the first modified image and said first digitalgenerated image, said first digital generated image being located atsaid predetermined location so as to form a merged image; and

g) means for printing, displaying, transmitting, or storing a saidmerged image in a preselected format.

In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a systemfor combining a first digital generated digital image and one or moreselected prestored digital images, comprising:

a) means for selecting one of said prestored digital images, each ofsaid prestored digital images having at least one predetermined locationwherein said customer generated image may be placed;

b) means for providing said first digital generated image;

c) means for adjusting said first digital generated image or saidselected prestored image with respect to the other in accordance with atleast one relationship; and

d) means for combining said first digital generated image with saidselected prestored digital image such that said generated image isplaced in said predetermined location so as to form a merged image.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a systemfor combining a first digital generated digital image and one or moreprestored digital images, comprising:

a) means for selecting one of said prestored digital images, each ofsaid prestored digital images having at least one predetermined locationwherein said customer generated image may be placed;

b) means for providing said first digital generated image;

c) means for combining said first digital generated image with saidselected prestored digital image such that said generated image isplaced in said predetermined location so as to form a merged image; and

d) adjusting the merged image for different output formats.

In yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod for obtaining a digital generated image of a subject or objectusing a electronic camera, comprising the steps of:

a) placing the subject or object in front of a lighted background havinga higher illumination than the subject such that the background isdriven to saturation in all colored channels such that the object iseasily separated from the background; and

b) using the electronic camera to capture the image of the subject orobject.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

In the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the inventionas presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system made in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the operation of the system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a prestored image having severallocation for receiving a customer generated image; and

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the prestored image of FIG. 3 merged withcustomer generated images imprinted onto a photographic paper using thesystem of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated in block diagram form, asystem for producing customized images and imprinting these customizedimages onto a variety of different formats. In particular, the systemincludes a central processing unit (CPU) 10 which can take the form ofany appropriate computer. In the particular embodiment illustrated, thecentral processing unit 10 comprises an Apple Macintosh Computer whichis used to control the various input and output devices. A plurality ofinputdevices 12,14,16,18,20,22 are provided for generating a image in adigital format. In particular, first input device 12 comprises a scannerused to scan photographic negatives or slides, both color andmonochrome. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the input device12 comprises a Rapid Film Scanner 2035, made by the Eastman KodakCompany. The input device 12 scans the film and produces a digitaloutput which is forwarded onto the central processing unit 10 by anappropriate data link system 11 for further manipulation. Likewise,input device 14 is provided for scanning of photographic pictures,printed or drawn, both color and/or monochrome, and producing adigitized signal which is representing the image scanned. The ColoredgePrinter, sold by the Eastman Kodak Company, has a scanner built thereinwhich is capable of scanning photographic pictures, or any type printedmaterial, and providing the appropriate digital signal for the computer10. The second input device 14 is appropriately connected to the CPU 10such that the CPU 10 may appropriately receive and manipulate theinformation obtained therefrom. Likewise, input devices 16,18,20,22 areprovided for obtaining digital signals representative of an imagefromvarious sources. In particular, input device 16 is a video cameradesigned to obtain images, and input device 18 comprises a CD (compactdisc) readerfor reading digitally stored information on a compact disc.Input device 20comprises a electronic camera such as the DCS 200 DigitalCamera, produced by the Eastman Kodak Company. Input device 22 may beany other input device which is capable of providing a digital signalrepresentative of animage to the CPU, for example, video tape, videolaser disc.

The CPU 10 is also connected to a variety of output devices32,34,36,38,40,42. These output devices are all appropriately connectedtothe central processing unit 10 by an appropriate data link system 13as is well known in the prior art. For example, but not by way oflimitation, byan Ethernet data link system. The output device 32 forinstance comprises aelectrophotographic printer such as the ColoredgePrinter, sold by the Eastman Kodak Company, which takes the digitalimage and transfers the image onto media which can then be used toproduce transfers for use on garments. The output device 34 in theembodiment illustrated is a cathode-ray tube Printer (CRT), inparticular, the PCD 600 Printer, produced by the Eastman Kodak Company,which takes an image that is displayed on a Cathode-ray tube and focusesit onto a photographic paper. Also provided is a thermal printer 36 forprinting images onto thermal media. An example of a suitable thermalprinter is the XLT 7720 Digital Thermal Color Printer, sold by theEastman Kodak Company. In particular, printer 38 can be a thermalprinter for providing transfers for use on T-shirts, whereas thermalprinter 40 can be used for providing transfers for placement on mugs.The last output device 42 illustrated is an ink jetprinter which can beused to imprint the merged image on greeting cards andthe like. Variousother devices may be provided for transferring onto various otherformats such as, garments, mugs, posters, banners, life sizecut outs,holographic and 3-D imaging, balloons, pens and pencils.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, a server 44, such as theCentrix 650 Apple Macintosh Computer, for managing information from theCPU 10 andfor appropriately providing information to the variousprinting devices associated therewith. Likewise, if so desired,additional computers may beprovided in association with each of theinput or output devices for managing information and providing furthercustomizing features as deemed appropriate. For a more simplifiedsystem, the input and output devices may all be connected to a singlecomputer. Also it is to be understood that any type suitable printingdevice may be employed for producing the image in the desired format,the present invention not being limited by the printing devicesdescribed herein.

Is to be understood that the CPU 10 may be provided with a monitor forviewing various screen for indication the status of the system andavailable options for controlling and/or operating the system as iscustomarily done in the prior art. The CPU is also provided with anappropriate input device such as a keyboard, touchscreen or pointingdevice as are well known in the prior art for allowing the operator toproperly operate the system. Thus the user, which may be the operatorand/or customer, can also view the various images being input into thesystem and generated by the system so that the appropriate selectionscan be made by the user and/or customer.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a flow diagram of an exampleof how the system of FIG. 1 may be operated. In particular, as isindicated by the box 100, a customer and/or operator will visuallyexamine, through the use of the video screen connected to the CPU 10, aplurality of prestored images provided in the memory of the CPU 10.Optionally the usermay view hard copy representations of the imagesprestored in the CPU 10. In order to more fully utilize the storagecapacity of the memory, the data stored in memory may be compressed. Theuser will select one of the prestored images which will be combined withone or more consumer-generated images that are provided.

The CPU is preferably programmed so that the customer/operator may viewanyof the images on the monitor that have been captured or generated bythe CPU 10 so that the desired selections and modifications can be madeand viewed at any time.

The customer/operator, at decision point 100, also selects the desiredoutput format, for example, if the image is to be placed on a a T-shirt,paper, greeting card, photographic paper, or other desired formatavailable. In certain situations, the prestored image selected may notbe allowed to be printed in a particular format due to its unsuitabilityfor that particular format; for example, if the selected prestored imagedoes not have the proper resolution for the format selected. In theembodiment illustrated the computer has been programmed to take intoconsideration the capabilities of the output format selected and therequirements of theprestored image and make the necessary adjustments,for example color and pixel density.

The customer then reaches the next step illustrated by box 102 whereinthe customer provides one or more images as required by the selectedprestoredimage, which are to be combined and merged into the selectedprestored image. For example, the customer may provide one or morephotographs whichwill be scanned by input device 14 which produces adigital signal which issupplied to the CPU 10. Box 104 illustrates thecapturing of the image as is accomplished by input device 14. However,the customer-generated image may be captured by any of the other inputdevices previously described or any other desired suitable device.

The generated image which has been captured and sent to the CPU 10 isthen automatically adjusted, by preprogrammed instructions provided inthe CPU 10, in form and quality in accordance with the requirements ofthe selected prestored image and the selected output formats. Inparticular, as illustrated by box 106, the captured image may be colorbalanced, and density, contrast saturation and resolution adjusted, sothat the image, when merged into the prestored image, will be properlymatched with respect to the selected prestored image so as to provide auniform and high quality merged image.

An example where adjustment is required is illustrated when thecustomer/operator selects an output device, such as a thermal printer,having capabilities of printing at 200 pixels per inch for printing a 10inch×10 inch active image area and a 4 inch×4 inch photo is scanned forplacement into the selected prestored image. The resolution ofthecustomer generated image must be adjusted to match the selectedprestored image. This can be accomplished by either scanning at thecorrect pixel density or by using the computer to interpolate theinformation so as to provide the correct match. The prestored images canalso be stored at different resolutions so that matching with the outputformat or scanned image can be more easily accomplished.

In a similar fashion, if the customer-generated image has a low contrastwith respect to the selected prestored image due to the scanned negativeor photograph being underexposed, the generated image can be digitallyadjusted to match the selected prestored image. As previously noted, thecustomer and/or operator may view the captured or merged image at anytime. Thus, the customer generated image can be adjusted or corrected asdesired in accordance with the capabilities of the computer software atthe appropriate time in process. For example, sizing and cropping of theimage, changing the color of a item in the image such as hair or eyecolor, fixing of imperfections in the original image such as streaks,lines, spots or red eye may be digitally adjusted or corrected at thistime. Also, the customer generated image may be modified to achieve adesired artistic effect. For example, the customer generated image maybe modified to look like a water colored painting, a poster, linesketch, or otherwise modified as limited by the selections available.Additionally, the information generated by the input device and sent tothe CPU 10 is properly managed in accordance with the output format. Forexample, if theoutput is to be a 11×14 color print produced by outputdevice 32, theobtaining of the digital information by any of the inputdevices will be adjusted so as to obtain the appropriate and desiredinformation required for producing the quality-type image. However, insituations where the quality of the image initially generated by theinput device is not critical, a condition which might occur where animage is to be placed on a mug, the input devices will be adjusted toobtain the desired appropriate information without obtaining ormanipulating more data than is necessary. Thus, this minimizes the needor requirement of obtaining information greater than required which addsto the computational requirements of the CPU 10 and storage requirementsof memory in order to provide the appropriate merged image.

In addition to being able to adjust the customer generated image to theselected prestored image, the prestored image can also be modified tomatch or otherwise be related to the customer generated image. Forexample, certain objects in the prestored image can be color matchedwith respect to the color objects or subjects in the generated image,such as the color of the border, objects or background in the prestoredimage may be color matched to the color of an individual's hair, articleof clothingor other objects in the generated image. Additionally,patterns or texturesmay be taken from the customer-generated image orthe prestored image and may be incorporated into the other.

Once the customer generated image or images have been properly adjusted,itis combined with the selected prestored image as is represented by box108.The customer and/or operator may then view the merged image formaking any further corrections or adjustments so desired. Since thestored image and the captured image are both in digital format, thecombination of the two images can be obtained relatively quickly andeasily.

The CPU 10 may also provide the user with the ability to add additionalgraphics/images and/or text to predetermined locations on the prestoredimage as illustrated by step 110. As illustrated by FIG. 3, a prestoredimage 70 is shown prior to it being combined with the customer-generatedimage. As can be seen, the prestored image 70 has five (5) locations,indicated by numerals 51,52,53,54,55 wherein customer-generated images,portions of customer-generated images or other stored images can beplace.Any desired number of locations may be provide and may vary inaccordance with the selection of the prestored image.

In addition, in the selected prestored image, there are additionallocations, indicated by numerals 61,63,65,67 where additionalpersonalizedinformation such as a name, place or date may be placed. Ascan be seen from the prestored image as illustrated in FIG. 3, the themeis that of a vacation. However any other desired theme may be employed,for example, any sports activity, any location or artistic theme.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a merged image formed by thecombining of the consumer-generated images and text with the prestoredimage of FIG. 3 that has been imprinted on a desired format. At location54 only a portion of a consumer-generated image is required. In thisparticular instance, the head of a person. In the particular embodimentillustrated the output format is a photographic picture. However, thissame merged image may be placed on any desired format. As represented bybox 112, the merged image may be viewed on the monitor whereby thecustomer and/or operator will inspect and approve the merged image. Ifno further adjustments are desired or required, the merged image is sentto the appropriate output format as illustrated by box 114.

It is, of course, to be understood that the merged image may be producedinmore than one format as desired by the consumer. As seen in FIG. 4,personalized information has been provided at locations 61-67. Theproviding of discrete location wherein the user's generated image may besimply placed allows for quick and easy combining of images while at thesame time providing a high quality professional looking end product.

Also understood is that various other prestored images may be providedwithequal versatility. For example, a prestored image may include asetting wherein store names, bottle labels, or product names may bepersonalized by the user to contain desired images or data.

The selected prestored image, in the embodiment illustrated, is providedwith specific locations which are designed to incorporate generatedimages. As previously noted, any desired number of locations may beprovided. Additional prestored images may be placed at one or all oftheselocations so that limitless combinations of images may be generatedby the customer and/or operator.

As previously discussed, input device 20 conprises a DCS camera fortaking on-the-spot images. In certain instances existing backgrounds maybe provided behind the subject to be captured. It may also be desiredthat only the subject/object be captured without any background so thatthe subject or object can then be placed on a desired prestoredbackground. This can be easily accomplished by placing the subject infront of a lighted background having a higher illumination than thesubject, such that the background is driven to saturation in all colorchannels of the digital still camera. The subject or object is theneasily separated from the background. For editing the complete subjector object, the subject orobject is placed on an illumination box, thenthe entire subject or object can be isolated.

The present invention is not limited to the output devices describedherein. Any type output device may be employed for producing the imagein the desired format, for the transmission of the merged image toanother device at a different location, for display of the merged image(such as avideo display screen) or for the permanent storage of thedigital information on other formats such as a CD, or magnetic disc ortape. Storage of the merged image of course allows for the personalviewing or making of additional prints of the stored image at some laterdate.

Thus, there is provided a system which is capable of easily producing acustomized image obtained by combining a variety of different imagesfrom different sources onto at least one of a variety of differentoutput formats wherein the image provided on the output format is ofhigh qualityand in a professional format. The present invention alsominimizes any storage and computational needs required for theimprinting of the image onto any particular format. Additionally thepresent invention provides aneasy and economical method for theisolation of a single subject or object which can then be easilycombined with another image.

It should be clear from the above disclosure to one skilled in the artthatthe method and system of the invention may be incorporated into apoint of sale interactive machine which is wholly or partially operatedby the customer. More particularly, it should be clear that theabove-described method and system may be incorporated into a point ofsaid vending machinewhich is wholly operated by a customer withoutoperator intervention as described in the related applications referredto above.

The output devices may also include means for incorporating sound recordand/or emitting devices such as currently in talking greeting cards orphotographs as currently available in the market. In such case, thedigital sound may be provided to the CPU 10 and then incorporated in theoutput formats.

It is to be understood that various changes and modifications may bemade without departing from the scope of the present invention, thepresent invention being limited by the following claims. For example,but not by way of limitation, the output formats may be selected, forexample labels for wine bottles and other products.

Parts List

10 . . . central processing unit

11,13 . . . data link system

12,14,16,18,20,22 . . . input devices

32,34,36,38,40,42 . . . output devices

44 . . . server

51,52,53,54,55,61,63,65,67 . . . prestored image locations

70 . . . prestored image

100,102,104,106 . . . boxes

100 . . . decision point

110 . . . step

112 . . . box

We claim:
 1. A method of combining at least one first captured generateddigital image and/or text and one or more second prestored digitalimages, comprising the steps of:a) selecting one of said secondprestored digital images, each of said second prestored digital imageshaving one or more predetermined locations where captured generateddigital images and/or text may be placed; b) providing a plurality ofdifferent capture means for obtaining at least one customer generatedimage in digital form; c) providing a plurality of different outputmeans for printing, displaying, transmitting, or storing of an image; d)selecting a desired output format upon which an image may be provided;e) modifying said first captured generated digital image or secondselected prestored digital image so as to form a first modified image;and f) combining the first modified image and said first capturedgenerated digital image or said second prestored digital image, saidfirst captured generated digital image or said modified image beinglocated at said predetermined location so as to form a newly mergeddigital image in accordance with the requirements of the selected outputformat, wherein both images that are combined are permanently modified.2. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of printingsaid merged image in said selected output format.
 3. A method accordingto claim 1 further comprising the step of displaying or storing saidmerged image.
 4. A method according to claim 1 further comprising thestep of transmitting said merged image to an output device at a remotelocation.
 5. A method according to claim 1 wherein said output format isselected from the group consisting of: a greeting card, a post card, aphotograph, a mug, a garment, wine label or other label.
 6. A methodaccording to claim 1 wherein said first digital generated image isobtained by scanning an existing image in accordance with therequirements of said output format.
 7. A method according to claim 1wherein said first digital generated image is adjusted with respect tothe selected prestored digital image.
 8. A method according to claim 7wherein said first digital generated image is adjusted for at least oneof the following characteristics: resolution, color balance, contrast,saturation and density.
 9. A method according to claim 7 wherein saidfirst digital generated image comprises an image and/or text.
 10. Amethod according to claim 7 wherein said first digital generated imageis obtained by placing a subject in front of a lighted background havinga higher illumination than the subject such that the background isdriven to saturation in all colored channels such that the object iseasily separated from the background.
 11. A method according to claim 10wherein said first digital generated image is superimposed on saidselected, prestored digital image.
 12. A method according to claim 7wherein said step of selecting one of said prestored digital images isaccomplished by visually reviewing said prestored digital images.
 13. Asystem for combining at least one first captured generated digital imageand/or text and one or more second prestored digital images,comprising:a) means for selecting one of said second prestored digitalimages, each of said second prestored digital images having one or morepredetermined locations where first captured generated digital imagesand/or text may be placed; b) means for providing a plurality ofdifferent capture means for obtaining at least one customer generatedimage in digital form; c) means for providing a plurality of differentoutput means for printing, displaying, transmitting, or storing of animage; d) means for selecting a desired output format upon which animage may be provided; e) means for modifying said first capturedgenerated digital image or second selected prestored digital image so asto form a first modified image; and f) means for combining the firstmodified image and first captured generated digital image or said secondprestored digital image, said first captured generated digital image orsaid modified first image being located at said predetermined locationso as to form a newly merged digital image in accordance with therequirements of the selected output format, wherein both images that arecombined are permanently modified.
 14. A system according to claim 13further comprising means for printing, displaying, transmitting orstoring said merged image.
 15. A method according to claim 1, whereinfirst captured generated digital image or second selected prestoreddigital image is modified with respect to the other in accordance withat least one relationship.
 16. A method according to claim 1, furthercomprising the step of providing at least one generated image byscanning an existing image in accordance with the requirements of thepreselected output format.